Huskie of the Week: Ninova’s postseason performance earns final honor of 2024-2025 academic year

By Northern Star Sports Staff

April 28, 2025

A graphic depicts NIU women’s tennis junior Nataly Ninova as this week’s Huskie of the Week. Ninova earned the award after leaving the Mid-American Conference Tournament undefeated in singles matches, earning a spot on the MAC All-Tournament team. (Edison Miller | Northern Star)

For the third time this season, NIU women’s tennis junior Nataly Ninova has been named the Northern Star’s Huskie of the Week.

Winning both of her singles matches at the Mid-American Conference Championship tournament, Ninova was named to the all-tournament team.

In the semifinals against the University of Toledo, Ninova and senior Maria Dzemeshkevich won their match at No. 1 doubles in a close 7-6 (7-4) set to clinch the doubles point for the Huskies.

Taking 6-2, 6-3 sets against Rockets sophomore Jone Ibanez at No. 4 singles, Ninova doubled the Huskies’ lead en route to the 4-1 win to send NIU to the finals.

In the finals against the University at Buffalo, Ninova earned the only point for NIU against sophomore Julia Laspro, winning straight 6-2 sets.

Ninova was named Huskie of the Week on Jan. 20 and March 31, in addition to Nov. 4, 2024, with doubles partner seniorErika Dimitriev.

This week’s Huskie of the Week is the last of the 2024-25 academic year.

The Northern Star sports section’s Huskie of the Week is voted for on a weekly basis. Student-athletes considered for this week’s edition were selected based on their performance in competitions taking place April 21 to April 27.